Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1887-1890, 1887-10-26
AT THE RAILWAY R
A Tribune Reporter Takes in the
Sights-Various Notes of
the Rail.

A TRIBUNE representative accepted 8
seat beside Ike Manery in the Great Falls
cab yesterday, and proceeded across the
river to the scene of railroad activity. The
change that has taken place in the delight
full valley at the confluence of the Sun
river with the Missouri, in the brief season
of one week, is certainly a most remarks
bic one. Seven days ago there was moth
ing in sight but the old stage station and
barn, at one time dignlfied with the name
OF "Johnstown'-and the settlers. resi-
dences and shacks on the surrounding
broad acres; today the enchanted view''
takes in miles of railroad track, improvi-
sed stations and offices, a mammoth bridge,
scores of cars of different kinds, all brand
ed ''St. P. NJ. & NJ. R. R." gangs of men
at work in various directions, transfer
teams unloading freight for Great Falls,
cabs and carriages carrying passengers to
and fro. and other etceteras of active rail-
road operations. 1t is a change, such as
in the ordinary curse of events we would
not expect in months!
There is as yet no station house for the
convenience of passengers, and it is prob
able that Mons will be built, the intention
being to put in a temporary bridge speed
lily, and erect the permanent depots on
this side of the river as soon as the track
is laid across. Atpresent passengers"make
their exit and entrance to the commodi-
Gus cahoose at the junction with the
line that extends to the river,
the latter being at all times
crowded with cars, generally loaded
with material, and waiting their turn to be
sent to "the 'front.' The train that arrives
daily is an irregular one, carrying construc-
ton material, and taking back empty cars
to be again loaded and sent forward. Not
a single car belonging to another road is
to be seen-al1 belong to the Manitoba.
Last evenings train brought in a few
stock cars which were sidetracked here.
They have doubtless been ordered by par
ties intending to ship stock from this
point.
Agent Kelly's Office, which is but a lit
tie larger than a box car, is located about
half way between the old station house
and the river, at convenient point, and
he already has his hands full in receiving
freight and attending to the other duties
of his Office. Our people will find Mr..
Kelly a genial and accommodating officer,
and he is already a prime favorite.
The Western Union Telegraph office
which was first located at the junction
has been moved down to the depot"
The next move will bring them into town
where an office will soon he established.
The Western Union has concluded its
construction work at Great Falls. 1t
does not follow the Montana Central, as
that road will have it's own telegraph
line.
A force of Jewelers. came In sight yes
terday while we were at the junction.
There are about a dozen in the party,
their work being to straighten the track
and to some extent level it up. Other
and larger parties follow, completing the
work. The track looks to be in splendid
condition already and where the surfacing
has been completed it is said to be equal
to the best old lines in the west. "Fhe
Manitoba has to-day, saie a passenger to
the TRIBUNE,"a better and smoother road
than the Northern Pacific"
The Manitoba will need at Great Falls,
which is TO be the great railroad town on
its line, extensive yards and many miles
of switches and sidetracking. No more
favorable spot could be found in Montana
for this purpose than that they have Sc
lected on the opposite side of the river.
The valley is not only a beautiful one,
but is also broad and level, just exactly
suited to the important purpose to which
it has been d~edicated-and within a
twelvem onth it will present the busiest
railroad scene iii Montana.